My name is Parker Graham. At the time of this being written I am a student at Auburn University studying Industrial Engineering. I will be graduating this December and then leaving for the World Race on January 3rd.
I grew up in a suburb just outside of Nashville, Tennessee with my two amazing parents and a brother and sister, both older. I have always been close with my family and anything good in myself can be attributed to my parents and the way they raised me. From as far back as I can remember they have been instilling into me the teachings and practices of Jesus and the church. I did not always heed my parents words, but that never stopped them from making everything a teachable moment. As I grow older I realize how much wisdom my parents poured into me through the years. I have them to thank for everything.
My siblings too are incredible. They are both exceptional people. My sister has the kindest heart of any human I know which can been seen everyday through the parenting of her two young kids. My brother has a determination, willfulness, and fortitude unlike anything I have seen, but also has compassion and empathy. He is a perfect example of a man rooted in Christ. The only negative that comes with having such amazing older siblings is the feeling of having to live up to their legacies. For most of my younger years I tried fruitlessly to model myself after them. I was trying to be someone that I was not and it did not make me happy. Late in high school I stepped out of the shadow of my siblings (as encouraged to do so by both of them) and felt a freedom I had never experienced before as I began to pursue passions that interested me.
I look at my decision to go Auburn as one of the most influential and impactful decisions of my life. The relationships I have made here and the countless opportunities I have been afforded have shaped me mightily, especially in my pursuit of a deeper knowing of Christ. Working for Noah’s Ark in Colorado for two summers also had a huge impact on me. Noah’s Ark is a Christian company that does white water rafting and backpacking trips. Working here took the wisdom I had been taught about Christ and forced me to turn it into my own faith. I remember a distinct moment of camping out with kids in drug rehabilitation and being peppered with questions about Jesus. I in no way felt qualified to answer these but nevertheless was there and had an opportunity to speak the truth of Christ to these young boys. I had a choice either to rely on myself or in my faith in Jesus. I choose the latter.
In my time at Auburn or working for Noah’s Ark I have been given ample opportunity to serve others. At first I was somewhat adverse to this notion of serving, but as time went on I came to find a profound joy in serving others unlike anything else I had experienced. This came to a head over a spring break trip that I spent installing clean water filters and telling people about Jesus in Haiti. Near the end of the trip I spent the last night speaking with some of my close friends and told them how I couldn’t explain it but that I needed to spend an extended period of time on mission after school. To me this feeling was very surprising and to be honest a bit unwelcome. I had spent my time in college studying engineering and working various internships/co-ops so that I could be prepared to enter the work force and begin climbing the ladder right out of school. To put a hold on that would be to sacrifice certain job opportunities that I have been given. I spent the next few months in prayer and thoughtful conversation with friends and family. With the support of the people I am closest with I came to the conclusion that I need to heed this call.
And that leads us to where we are now. I looked meticulously into where and how I could do the most good in an extended period of mission and came to the conclusion of the World Race. As I finish up school I am preparing myself to spend eleven months abroad in this service to Christ. It feels like life is coming at me fast but I could not be more excited for this journey ahead. I ask that as I leave you please pray for myself, my team, and the people we will be serving across the globe. Until I leave I’m continuing to try and do the most good I can while still in school and enjoying my time as I finish up.
Cheers,
Parker Sedwick Graham
